SCIENCESTARS Issue 09 | July/August 2015
THE FUTURE OF TOMORROW Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
1
CONTENTS CONTENTS
FEATURES
1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4
2
Science and Technology in 2016
7
DHET Budget Vote
1
Moulding future entrepreneurs
6
Infographic
7
Motivation
1
DST empowers the Eastern Cape
9
When I was a fish book review
2
The coding genius
4
Science Stars news
REGULARS
5
foreword
6 1 2 3 3 4 4 4
editor's note
0
science news
8 cAREERS 3
QUIZ
4
PUZZLE
0
TOP 10
5 Kids’ Comments
6 ACTIVITY
FOREWORD FEATURE
the
FOREWORD full swing. I am currently visiting rural and township schools across the country, disseminating information on the need for matriculants to apply on time to institutions of higher learning (universities and colleges). During these visits, I take along the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs) and the Department’s Career Development branch, to offer career advice to Grade 9-12 learners as well as funding opportunities. In this special edition of Science Stars, you are invited to share in the excitement of young professionals and their achievements. Be inspired by their stories and let them guide you to a
Where to from here?
successful career of your own.
I am very pleased to write the foreword for the Youth Issue of
Read more about what the Department of Higher Education and
Science Stars magazine. First and foremost, I would like to use
Training & the Department of Science and Technology are plan-
this platform to highlight the programmes that are being imple-
ning for 2015 and 2016. If you are not sure which career path to
mented by the Department of Higher Education and Training
follow, the upcoming projects and programmes offered by these
(DHET), with the aim of empowering the young people of South
departments can be a guideline for you.
Africa. As a department, we have pledged to direct all our efforts towards creating opportunities for our youth especially in the
You can find out more about the opportunities that are available
area of education and training.
for young entrepreneurs and the dreams that can be turned into careers. We explore some of the hobbies enjoyed by the youth,
I want to urge matriculants to take action and apply to institu-
like music (page 23), gaming (page 37) and reading (page 39).
tions of higher learning by September this year. The 2015 leg
Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training
of the Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance campaign is now in
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
5
ED’S NOTE
team Science Stars
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The youth is the future
While thinking and brainstorming around this youth issue, the Science Stars team was excited about the various information they felt they would be able to put together and present to you, our readers. I was personally surprised by the level of imagination and progress the young people in South Africa have made and still continue to make. From young people who are creating apps (pg 42), to how hard work pays off and leads to success (pg 27) and to how a scientist who loves hip hop is making a difference (pg 23). This edition of Science Stars Magazine is jam packed with interesting and exciting content. However of all the features, I enjoyed the cover feature more than the rest. The cover story on the greatest scientists looks at both the international and local scientists that have made an impact. As this is our youth issue we looked at the early years of some of the greatest names in science. It is fascinating to note the amount of progress that they had made at very young ages. It is also interesting to note that they were not necessarily born into science, but rather found their way towards science. Their histories stand tall as lessons to all of us, that anything can be done as long as we set our minds to it and ignore the noise around us, because at times noise lacks meaning. We also compiled a list of 11 of the most notable South African scientist as part of the cover feature and outlined the reasons for this recognition. Please enjoy reading this issue because it is meant for you. Interact with us on Facebook and feel free to follow us on our latest edition to the Science Stars social media presence; Instagram.
Evans Manyonga Managing Editor
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Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Managing Editor • Evans Manyonga editor@sciencestars.co.za Deputy Editor • Shani Rhoda
Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz Project Manager • Renata Williams Contributing writers • Oswald Kucherera • Caroline Pule Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Public Relations • Bongeka Mnotoza
Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za
Copyright 2015 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission. Science Stars is published by Roswika Media
10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za
FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young work seekers, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential. Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement. a combination of the best practices of both the Kagiso Trust • Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and and the Shanduka Foundation. individuals to invest in education by adopting disadvantaged schools throughout South Africa. Through its model of Whole • Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) develops qualifying 100% School Development, the foundation aims to improve the black-owned businesses to a level where they may gain academic, infrastructural, social and security environment meaningful access to markets, networks and finance. This is in schools, enabling sustainable excellence in teaching and conducted via enterprise and supplier development activities learning. The foundation creates opportunities for temporary within its small business incubators where members are employment of community members and for local businesses provided with a working environment and support services that will enable them to thrive, and Shanduka Blackpages, an to get involved in improving schools. It works closely with online enterprise and supplier development portal. communities and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders. • The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises holistic holiday work • Kagiso Shanduka Trust (KST) is a collaboration between programmes for all its students. the Free State Department of Education, Kagiso Trust and Shanduka Foundation to develop and implement a district• The Shanduka experiential work programme provides wide school development model. It is a five-year programme opportunities for selected graduates and job seekers within that will work in over 400 schools, in two districts, utilising the Shanduka Group and across its partner network. Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.
www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation
COVER STORY
THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS How they changed the world
Written by : Oswald Kucherera
W
e admire them, respect them and above all their knowledge has positively contributed to
the way we live. Our top scientists come from different corners of the world. These heroes of Science are masters in various scientific disciplines. Even more impressive is the fact that most of these scientists are also inventors in their own right who have all played major roles on an international stage.
Marie Curie Marie Curie shines among the greatest scientists ever. She is famously known for winning the Nobel Prize twice in two different fields. She won her first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 together with her husband, Pierre Curie, and Henri
When facing financial problems she was
husband they discovered a new radioactive
Becquerel, a French Physicist. She received
forced to find a tutoring position to help
element in 1898 and named it polonium,
another great honor in 1911 in chemistry
finance the education of her sister Bronya.
after Curie’s native country of Poland. She
to become the first scientist to win two
In return, Bronya was to support Marie in
authored many important scientific vol-
Nobel Prizes.
her studies.
umes and is credited with coining the word
Curie was born Maria Sklodowska in
After spending nearly five years tutor-
Warsaw (Poland) on 7 November 1867.
ing she immigrated to France where
Albert Einstein
Both her parents were teachers. Her father,
she enrolled at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Albert Einstein, hailed the greatest Physicist
who was a secondary-school Mathematics
She graduated with a Master’s degree
of the 20th century won his Nobel Prize in
and Physics teacher, tutored his daughter
in Physics in 1893 and earned another
Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the
in Mathematics and Physics privately at
degree in Mathematics in 1894. While she
photoelectric effect.
home. She had an exceptional mind and
was at Sorbonne where she met Physicist
consequently excelled in her studies at
Pierre Curie, who was later to become her
school but unfortunately lost her mother
career partner and husband.
radioactivity.
at the age of 11. Curie became involved
Einstein’s paper in 1905 changed the course of modern physics and brought him to the attention of the academic world
in student politics and emerged as a
She was fascinated with the works of
top student in her secondary education.
Henri Becquerel, who discovered that
She could not continue with her studies
uranium casts off rays. She did her own
because she could not be accepted in the
experiments on uranium rays and dis-
Einstein was born on 14 March, 1874 in
men-only University of Warsaw.
covered that the rays remain constant
Ulm, Wurttemberg, Germany. He was born
regardless of the condition or form of the
in a Jewish middle class family. His father,
uranium. And working together with her
Hermann Einstein was a salesman and
As a result she resorted to self-study. 8
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
COVER STORY
obtained his Doctorate degree in 1905. He
towards his mother for marrying Rev Smith.
wrote his first scientific paper ‘The inves-
This experience left him with a sense of
tigation of the state of Aether in magnetic
insecurity, manifested later in the irrational
fields’ at 16. Though it did not attract
behavior he displayed defending his merits.
much attention in the Science world, his
Engineer. Hermann was the founder of
fate was to change when Max Planck,
He received his education at the King’s
the most influential Physicist of his time
School in Grantham where he was taught
and founder of quantum theory took an
Latin but not Mathematics. He took an
interest in his work and made complimen-
interest in studying Chemistry but unfortu-
tary comments. Einstein’s paper in 1905
nately he was removed from school by his
changed the course of modern Physics
mother to start farming.
and brought him to the attention of the
She wanted him to become a farmer. But
academic world.
young Newton was uninterested in farming and he failed dismally. Henry Stokes, of the
a company that manufactured electrical equipment in Munich, Germany. Hermann
Isaac Newton
King’s School persuaded his mother to send
gave his son a compass at the age of five
Isaac Newton was the greatest Physicist
Newton back to King’s School to finish his
and Einstein was amazed at this great
and Mathematician in the 17th century.
schooling.
discovery. The compass triggered a spark
Famously known for his law of gravita-
of curiosity in Einstein’s mind. Einstein
tion Newton made discoveries in optics,
He graduated with a B.A degree in August
received his primary education at Luitpold
motion and mathematics and his work
1665 and later obtained his Masters of Arts
Gymnasium where he took an interest in
‘Mathematical Principles of Natural
degree in 1669, just before he turned 27.
playing the violin but was never to play
Philosophy’ is considered the single most
While studying privately he discovered the
it at professional level. He had a speech
influential book on Physics.
Binomial Theorem and began to develop a
difficulty, resulting in him speaking slowly
mathematical theory on calculus, optics and
and pausing to consider what to say. He
the law of gravitation. Legend has it that
discovered a book of geometry at the age of twelve and he read it over and over. A family friend, Max Talmud, made a huge impression on the young Einstein. Talmud shared books with Einstein and intro-
Legend has it that the falling of an apple from a tree inspired him to discover the force behind the action which eventually led to the discovery of gravitational force
the falling of an apple from a tree inspired him to discover the force behind the action which eventually led to the discovery of gravitational force.
duced him to higher Mathematics and Philosophy. Newton was born on 4 January 1643, in His family moved to Italy, leaving him
Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England but
behind but facing the prospect of military
his birth date is sometimes displayed as
duty in Germany, young Einstein aban-
December 25, 1642. His father was a farm-
doned school and followed his family
er who died three months before the birth
to Italy. He later renounced his German
of his son. Newton was born prematurely
citizenship. He continued his education
and was not expected to survive because
at Aarau, Switzerland, where he gradu-
he was tiny and weak. When he turned
ated in 1896 at the age of 17. In 1896,
three, his mother married Rev Barnabas
he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic
Smith, leaving young Newton with his
School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher
maternal grandmother. He detested his
in Physics and Mathematics and later
stepfather and maintained some enmity Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
9
COVER STORY
SOUTH AFRICAN SCIENTISTS
W
Written by : Evans Manyonga
e have compiled a list of 11 of
fever and also researched it intensively.
the most notable South African
His efforts brought it under control.
scientists and stated the aspects
that make them so unique and deserving to be on this exclusive list.
Dr Christiaan Barnard: For performing two groundbreaking ‘firsts’.
Alan MacLeod Cormack – For making us say CAT and scanner in one sentence and winning a Nobel Prize. Cormack’s research led to the development of the CAT scanner.
The world renowned surgeon, Barnard, transplant and the world’s first success-
Joseph Albert Mokoena: For showing Africa how awesome Mathematics is.
ful human heart transplant at the Groote
Mokoena was a Maths genius. He
Schuur Hospital in Cape Town in 1967.
ensured the African continent appreciated
performed the country’s first kidney
Mathematics through his empowerment
Professor Himla Soodyall: For discovering more about our roots.
and promotion efforts.
Highly respected for her groundbreak-
Mark Shuttleworth: For becoming the first African in space and only the second private citizen to self-fund his journey into orbit.
ing research in genetics her studies have opened new doors into understanding the early history of humans.
Shuttleworth inspired the nation and now
Sydney Brenner: For explaining death at a cellular level and bringing that Nobel Prize to South Africa.
promotes STEM among South African
Brenner studied molecular research and
Eric Merrifield and Aubrey Krüger: For keeping the sea away from the shore.
discovered programmed cell death.
learners.
These two individuals invented the dolos,
Aaron Klug: For discovering something smaller than a micro cell and being a Nobel Prize winner.
a concrete block piled with others to create breakwaters and stop water from eroding the shore.
His macromolecular research broke new
10
ground in molecular research.
Henri Johnson: For taking the anger out of sport.
Max Theiler: For killing yellow fever and being a Nobel Prize winner.
Johnson developed sports tracking tech-
Theiler developed new vaccines for yellow
all have easier decisions to make.
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
nology and now the referees and empires
DST
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN 2015 - 2016 The DST Budget Vote
T
he Department of Science and
project.
Technology (DST) held its Budget Vote in Cape Town on Thursday, 21
The Council for Scientific and Industrial
May 2015. To reflect on the financial year
Research (CSIR) – R827,7 million
that has passed and celebrate the achieve-
The CSIR provides facilities for research
ments of last year’s budget allocation, a
in Science and Technology. Research con-
display of DST’s entities were presented
ducted at the CSIR is also developed and
to the Minister of Science and Technology,
introduced to the market as a consum-
Naledi Pandor, in The Company’s Gardens.
able product. Focusing on set research
HSRC
ASSAF
TIA NRF
areas, the ultimate aim of the council is to The DST has been given an amount of R7,
improve the lives of South African citizens.
CSIR
482 billion for the 2015/2016 financial year. Of this amount, a total of 92.2%
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) –
has been allocated to entities supported
R385,2 million
by the DST. Furthermore, R2, 534 bil-
The TIA takes great ideas and turns them
lion will be transferred to six entities as
into sustainable businesses. Individuals
and to improve skills in the field of Space
Parliamentary grants.
with innovative ideas on technologi-
Science.
SANSA
cal advancement can apply for financial
The entities that will benefit from the grants:
assistance through the agency. Along with
The Academy of Science of South Africa
funding comes mentorship and support in
(ASSAf) – R22,991 million
The National Research Foundation (NRF) -
business-related planning.
ASSAf represents South Africa in international Science communities by rewarding
R885,9 million The NRF supports the discovery of new
The Human Sciences Research Council
scholarly achievements and communicating
information and funds research in the
(HSRC) – R288,7 million
with stakeholders and the general public
fields of Science and Technology in
The HSRC performs research related to the through media platforms.
the aim of improving the quality of life
public and the development of a country.
for South African citizens. Nationwide
Although the council is not directly relat-
research facilities are available to
ed to Science and Technology, it carries
researchers, including Hartebeesthoek
out studies that explain Social Sciences
Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO),
and aids learning.
iThemba LABS, South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), National Zoological
The South African National Space Agency
Gardens of South Africa (NZG), South
(SANSA) – R124,4 million
African Environmental Observation
Established in 2010, SANSA is all about
Network (SAEON) and South African
Space Science and Technology. The agency
Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB).
attempts to influence policy-making in the
The NRF also administrates the SKA SA
country according to research outcomes
12
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
NRF to fund 14 880 postgraduate research students
DST
Flagship Projects MeerKAT:
700 students have been supported through both the SKA SA Bursary and Scholarship Programme and the National Astrophysics and Space Physics Programme.
Technology Localisation Programme:
Indigenous Knowledge:
Supported 20 PhDs & 39 Master’s students
R524 MIL
Created 133 jobs; established 2 agro businesses
Since 2011, 140 manufacturing companies have benefited.
Signed intellectual property agreements with L’Oreal, Nestle, Kalahari and Nativa R70 million invested in HIV, AIDS, TB and malaria, as well as drug development
Encourage innovation
Research and infrastructure
product quality TECHNICAL SKILLS Knowledge creation
Development of human capital
cost-savings PRODUCTIVITY energy efficiency
The DST’s key priorities for 2015/16:
Supporting SMEs improves:
waste management innovation JOB CREATION
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
13
PROFILE
AGE IS NOT A BARRIER Academic excellence Written by : Evans Manyonga
D
r Previn Naicker completed his
University of KwaZulu-Natal when he was
PhD at the age of 23. His academic
18. After taking a gap year in 2010 he came
excellence saw him jump grades 7,
back to complete his Masters and PhD
9 and 10. He was born in Durban, South
degrees by 2014 when he was just 23 years
Africa in 1991 and is the youngest of
of age.
three siblings. He grew up in a close-knit family which he acknowledges as always
He believes that skipping grades 7, 9 and
having been a strong support structure.
10 gave him a good head start ahead of his peers. “I had the same knowledge base
Dr Naicker completed high school at the
of those starting undergraduate studies
age of 14, completed his BSc Biomedical
with me however I was at least 3-4 years
Science degree at 17 years of age and
younger. This will translate into me hav-
went on to complete a BMedSci Honours
ing more experience than most of my peers
degree in Medical Biochemistry at the
in my field by the time I am 35 which will
PROFILE
hold me in good stead for future oppor-
of funding and Dr Naicker had a par-
ematics and science Olympiads and at high
tunities. On the other end, it also forced
tial scholarship from the University of
school there were extra classes offered to
me to make big decisions quite quickly.
KwaZulu-Natal during his undergraduate
cover the content of the Olympiads which
When I took breaks from studying in high
studies while his parents had an educa-
were part of his extracurricular academic
school, I tried to use as much of my time
tion policy to cover the rest of the tuition.
programmes. “At University there is not
to think about what I wanted to pursue as
However all his postgraduate education
much extra time for extracurricular aca-
a career,” he explains.
was funded by the National Research
demic programmes and at the level of a
Foundation (NRF).
PhD ones research project becomes the
“This is one of the biggest decisions of one’s life and although researching vari-
centre of your academic life,” he explains. At school he took part in numerous math-
Dr Naicker joined CSIR and is now based at
ous careers helps with the decision, you will never know what is right for you until you experience what different careers are truly like,” he adds. Despite his young age he got along well with his older peers and also managed to relate to them at university. “I never felt that I was treated differently at university so I don’t feel that I had a challenge that was unique to me.” Dr Naicker believes the personality of the student, the support of their family and guidance at school play a strong role in equipping students to enter tertiary institutions emotionally and mentally ready these days. “I think in general career guidance in schools is not given enough attention. A lot of the time when there are career guidance talks, some industries are over represented and others under represented. The reality is that this has a lot to do with money and the materialistic society that surrounds us. For example, the banking sector in South Africa can afford much more marketing and will create far more jobs than the Biotechnology industry which is still slowly growing,” he says.
Dr Previn Naicker
A lot of studying also requires a lot Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
15
PROFILE
diagnostics and vaccine matching for livestock diseases. This is a multidisciplinary project and requires a team with a variety of molecular biology skills. Moreover, the outcomes of the project will have a positive socio-economic impact.” When looking at his short and long term career goals Dr Naicker would like to successfully complete his post-doctoral research and make positive contributions to the projects he is working on. He also wants to develop into the position of a senior researcher within the next two years and thereafter, he wants to be a top researcher on multidisciplinary projects that have a direct impact on society. “In the long term I would like to take on managerial and implementation driven positions and help develop emerging researchers,” he says. Dr Naicker advises young people who want to follow STEM career paths to familiarise themselves with all the industries they find
Dr Naicker in the lab
interesting. He also advises that students should research the relevant topics in detail
their head offices. “I discovered the CSIR
to add to my repertoire of molecular biol-
and try to shadow or seek advice from
when I was researching work opportuni-
ogy knowledge. Moreover, the CSIR is the
people who are actively working in those
ties during my undergraduate studies.
place to be in Africa for contributing to
particular industries.
During my PhD I collaborated with Dr
Science which has a direct impact socially
Stoyan Stoychev at the CSIR, to perform
and economically.”
“Also understand that if a topic is receiving global attention it may not be receiving the
protein dynamics studies using one of their mass spectrometers. This was a suc-
One of his research projects involves the
same attention locally which will have an
cessful collaboration in which I learnt a
development of magnetic particles for
impact on job prospects, so try and under-
great deal,” he says.
biochemistry research. These particles
stand the local market as well. Find out
where originally developed at the CSIR
what skills are truly required in that indus-
He got an opportunity to study towards
but are now sold commercially by Resyn
try and if there are gaps in the industry
his post-doctoral research at the CSIR
Biosciences and distributed to researchers
to inform your decision on what to study.
in 2014,--- which he then accepted. “The
around the globe.
Think wisely before you commit to studies in a specific field.”
projects I work on now give me insight into product development, applications of
“I am currently trying to optimise some of
“However don’t be afraid to change career
mass spectrometry and diagnostics and
the products which will be used for sam-
paths if you have reconsidered simply
vaccine implementation for viral diseases.
ple preparation in protein biochemistry.
because all your life’s experiences will
These are skills which I was quite eager
My other project focuses on improving the
assist you in the long run,” he advises.
16
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DHET
DHET BUDGET VOTE The future of education
I
artisan and they will contribute meaningfully in the overall economic growth of our country,” he said.
Youth Development Programmes The Deputy Minister spoke about creating
n May this year, the honourable Deputy
our robust and frank engagements with
skills opportunities for the youth, especially
Minister of Higher Education and
employers to open up their workplaces
those who live in the rural and remote
Training gave a strong budget vote
for our artisan learners to gain workplace
areas and those who are underprivileged.
speech that had a message to the coun-
exposure going uninterrupted,” he said. “Sector Education and Training Authorities
try and the youth. We believe within the speech, there is a direct message to you,
There were also 21 young South Africans
(SETAs) are making sound interventions in
our Science Stars readers.
who attended the tabling of the budget
poor communities by skilling young people
vote. These students will be going with
so that they can gain employment. In the
He explained that last year, the depart-
the Deputy Minister to Brazil in August
last financial year, a total number of 175
ment launched and declared 2014-2024
this year, to compete against other young
562 young people entered into learning
as the ‘Decade of the Artisan’, the aim
people from over 72 countries, competing
programmes. These are young individu-
being to create a skilled nation of quali-
in 19 artisanal skills areas.
als who would have otherwise been dis-
fied artisans, who can play a crucial role in
gruntled but they have since regained their
growing the different areas of our emerg-
“These young people were selected at
confidence and many of them are now
ing economy. “We remain steadfast in our
our inaugural ‘World Skills South Africa
in employment. A further 244 069 young
work of elevating the status and profile of
National Competition’ that took place in
people will be trained over the next year
artisans in the country, our conviction to
Cape Town in January this year. These com- through the SETAs.”
see our TVET colleges become institutions
petitions are another way of harnessing
of first choice remains unfazed and so is
our energies towards the decade of the
He also mentioned that in the 2014/ 2015 financial year, the department took over 130 interns from universities and colleges and they plan to take another 160 over the 2015/2016 financial year. This is a good sign for our Science Stars readers. We hope you will utilise the opportunity by finding out more from the department’s website.
HIV/ AIDS The department is also continuing with its Higher Education AIDS programme. “We will continue in the upcoming year with activation programmes of promoting HIV testing and screening of TB targeting our rural and township university and college campuses. In the last financial year, we managed to Deputy Minister, Mr Mduduzi Manana
test over 101 000 students and staff for HIV and screened another 92 000 for TB and 81 000 for STIs,” he said.
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
17
DHET
He also explained that this coming year the department has targeted testing and screening 170 000 students and staff and giving treatment, care and support to those who test positive.
Apply Now The department has now started with the 2015 leg of the ‘Apply Now’ campaign. They have started visiting rural and township schools across the country, speaking about the need for matriculants to apply in time to institutions of higher learning and also offering career advice to Grade 9-12 learners. To achieve this they are currently training life orientation teachers and also distributing ‘APPLY NOW booklets’, and I am happy to report that this policy
E-Learning
to all Grade 12 learners across the 6000
will be finalised this year and will provide
The Deputy Minister also explained that
high schools in the country. So make sure
the impetus to a single coordinated ser-
in 2015 the department will start with the
you find out all the details about this pro-
vice,” he said.
piloting of e-learning at selected teaching
gramme from your school.
and learning delivery sites as part of their
Disability
response to a wave of dynamic education
One of the Deputy Ministers guests was
Last year, the department launched the
sector reforms, which are mostly looking
Nosipho Ndlovu who wrote a letter thank-
Social Inclusion Policy Framework. The
at adopting educational technologies to
ing him in March this year. In the letter
framework will, amongst other social
enhance teaching-and-learning practices,
she says, “Deputy Minister, it was only after
issues, ensure there are disability units
education management, research and
your visit to our school at Diepsloot in
in all post-school education and training
administration.
May 2013 that I got encouraged to apply
institutions and also address the impor-
on time to three universities as per your
tant issues of reasonable accommodation
The Deputy Minister concluded by thank-
advice. I got accepted by the University
and access for students with disabilities.
ing the President for having confidence
of Cape Town and I’m now pursuing my
in him, the Minister of Higher Education
second year in Civil Engineering funded by
Guests
and Training Dr Blade Nzimande and the
NSFAS. I really wasted no time and thanks
Some students who have been assisted
department.
to DHET for making my dream come true.
financially for their studies by the government through the NSFAS programme were
“To Dr Nzimande, thank you for the guid-
Career development
also guests of the Deputy Minister at the
ance and teamwork that we continue to
The department is also working towards
budget vote.
demonstrate. Indeed, our leadership success
establishing a national career develop-
The students were Motheo Lengoasa
will be measured in how this department
ment system to help the youth gain
from the University of Cape Town, Ntombi
creates an environment for children from
guidance and also assist them in gaining
Gijana from the University of the Western
poor households on the farms and those
employment. “Last year, Cabinet approved
Cape, Buyile Matiwana from the Cape
in rural areas and townships, imagine and
that the Department of Higher Education
Peninsula University of Technology and
realise endless possibilities for a better life,
and Training lead the process of the devel-
Sibusiso Xabangela from the North link
free from poverty and social deprivation,” he
opment of a Career Development Policy
TVET College.
concluded.
18
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
SCIENCE NEWS
SCIENCE NEWS This year’s winner of the Intel Interna Fair (ISEF) designed a way for imp tional Science and Engineering rerouting the airflow, which will alsroved air quality in aeroplanes by borne disease amongst passenger o reduce the transmission of airs. The 17-year-old Canadian boy walked away with the top prize of ove r R750, 000.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia might soon be listed under UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites that are in danger. Australia has been given 18 months to plan ways in which it will protect the famous reef from the effects of climate change. oi, has siness School, Grace ChThe Bu rd rva Ha the m fro nt . keup A stude lop a way of printing ma used 3D printing to deve ich Choi hopes to launch later this FDA-approved printer, whto print colours for makeup types such year, will allow its users e shadow. as lip gloss, blush and ey ets, has been studied Pluto, formerly considered one of the plan five moons appear using the Hubble Space Telescope. Pluto’s erns said to be caused to be following unpredictable orbital patt o and its largest moon, by the shifting gravitational fields of Plut Charon.
Selected South African universities are set to receive funding to the value of R30-million from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). The financial boost aims to improve the health research in five of the country’s universities. Central University of Technology A Mechanical Engineering graduate from with a disability when he (CUT) in the Free State, assisted a studenthnology Station (PDTS) at CUT. approached the Product Development Tec ld not drive. The team at PDTS Due to his stunted growth, the student cou ted extended pedals for a car followed the student’s suggestion and creas and rubber. using steel plate, carbon fibre, canopy clip Students of Duke University in the USA have developed a mobile app dedicated to ‘selfies’. The ‘selfie’ craze has taken the digital world by storm and Ego displays a collection of images posted by its users.
ENTREPRENEURS
MOULDING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS The cost of following your dreams
Entrepreneurship comes at a heavy cost. More work is required over a broad spectrum and the financial load is often unbearable for the average individual. Certain institutions have recognised these common obstacles and have set up a structure to support entrepreneurs. Here are a few entities that provide assistance to budding entrepreneurs in South Africa
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
An entity of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the main purpose of TIA is to assist young people in forming a business plan and kick-starting their businesses. Along with funding, recipients receive mentorship. Funding is granted to successful candidates who submit their creative technologybased ideas. A special fund called the Youth Technology Innovation Fund (YTIF) is dedicated to proposals from persons aged between 18 and 30 years old. Visit the website (www.tia.org.za) for more information.
National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
With a heavy focus on providing mentorship to the youth, the NYDA also offers development programmes to those who want to pursue an entrepreneurial lifestyle. There are various programmes run by the NYDA ranging from starting a business to growing an existing business. Individuals from the age of 18 qualify for these programmes. Visit www.nyda.gov.za for further details.
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Aimed at assisting job creation and economic growth in South Africa, the IDC funds and invests in new or existing businesses within the industrial sector. Businesses that might benefit from the IDC include those focused on metals and mining, machinery and equipment, agro-processing and agriculture, as well as industrial infrastructure. The IDC has set out minimum requirements for businesses seeking funding.
The applying business must:
• Comply with international environmental standards; • Shareholders need to make a financial contribution; • The business must be profitable and sustainable; • Re-financing of fixed assets is not provided by the IDC.
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
21
TECHNOLOGY
HOW TO DEVELOP AN APP Written by : Evans Manyonga
D
id you know that over one million
publish as many apps as you want to the
people a day purchase a smart-
app store each year.
phone and more than a billion
Fun Facts • 91% of all people on earth have a
mobile phone; • 56% of people own a smart phone; • 50% of mobile phone users, use
mobile as their primary Internet source; • 80% of time on mobile is spent using apps; • 72% of tablet owners purchase online from their tablets each week.
applications (Apps) are being downloaded
Step 4
every single day.
How to wireframe your app and how to
Starting and creating an app is not as
buy code.
complicated as it may seem. We have
You now have two options to complete
decided to give you a step by step guide
Step 6
the app development work.
Hiring a great app artist.
on how to publish an app on the iPhone and iPad apps on iTunes.
When making your app, having art and
OPTION 1 – Buy source code;
design that looks good is one of the most
There are lots of sites on the web where
important things you have to do. People
you can buy iPhone source code. Just
browsing in the store will judge how good
Do market research in iTunes to find out
google “iPhone source code” or similar and
your app is based on how great it looks.
what people want to buy.
you will find a lot.
So unless you are a professional graphic
Step 1
The app store has a lot of categories from This is the cheapest and fastest way to get kids games, racing games, action games started making apps.
designer, it’s really important to hire an artist.
and adventure games to productivity, medical and entertainment sections.
OPTION 2 – Make source code;
You will have to look at the top free and
Step 7
Make the app from scratch. You can use
Uploading your app to the store.
top paid charts in those categories. You
Appcooker to do this and you can get it on
Once you have completed your app, the
can be looking at the specific areas of
your iPad as well.
next stage is to upload the app to iTunes.
interest to you like games, music etc. After seeing what is highly popular you can come up with some good choices.
Step 2 Read the customer reviews in iTunes.
This is something your developer will do, or
Step 5
alternatively you can do this yourself if you
Now you need to hire a great iPhone app
have a mac with your Apple developer certs
developer . You can post online to get
set up. After you upload the app to Apple,
some good responses. That way you can
you now have to wait between 7 and 10
choose from a wider variety of applicants.
days for Apple to review.
Now you can look at the specific apps that are popular in your chosen category. For each app you can read the reviews and see what customers liked and didn’t like about the app. This will provide some important information about what features you can put into your app.
Step 3 Sign up to the Apple developer program. To publish apps you need to sign up to the Apple developer program. You can do this on the Apple Developer site for about $99/year which is about R1 200 a year. Once you are enrolled this means you can 22
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
PROFILE
JAY TIP T hembelani Gina is a Scientist striving for greatness, but what does this hip hop lover do when the
pressure of the academic world reaches
Photo credit: Tseliso Monaheng
boiling point? He wins over the ears of music lovers. This first year Physics part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is not your average lecturer. In addition to completing his Master’s Degree in Nuclear Energy, Themblani (popularly known in the music world as Jay Tip) produces music and recently won the ‘Back to the City 10k challenge’ in Johannesburg. Growing up in Jozini (eMadonela) and
Academic by day, musician by night
Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal, he became the first person in his family to pursue studies in the field of Science – dreaming of making his contribution to the technological advancement of the country.
Q A
What is the meaning behind the nick-
Q A
How did you manage to gain followers by campaigning online?
I used social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud) to ask people
to follow me or vote for me. I always try
name ‘Jay Tip’?
to have a personal connection with my
The Jay came about through a late
followers just to show that I value their
family friend who used to call me Jr,
support.
Science.
Q A
Who is your hip hop idol and why do you idolise them?
I don’t really have any specific hip hop idol, that being said, I think both Mr
Sean Carter (Jay Z) and Mr Andre Young (Dr Dre) are doing very well for themselves,
and Tip is just my initials (TP) with an (i)
both as artists and as businessmen. I like
in between.
how they took advantage of their position in the music industry to create stable busi-
Q A
ticipated in the National Science Week.
If you give up on it, then its not a dream. A dream is what keeps you going, your dream should be your drive, and do not rest until you achieve it. Failure only means try again. See the vision.
Q A
Q A
A
requests from underground artists to work
ing on you for some ground breaking inno-
thing to divert from your routine, and
with me, I have managed to tell people
vations and global competitiveness. Let’s
that’s when your hobby comes in. It’s sort
about my academic research. Not only was
leave our mark and let the next generation
of like a hiding place.
it good for music but it was also good for
read about our great contributions.
Were you part of any Science-related societies while at varsity?
Yes I was a member of the UCT Astronomy Club and I have also par-
Do you think having an unrelated hobby assists individuals in their
careers? I think it does indirectly like when your career gets to you, like your
stress levels are too high, you need some-
nesses.
Q
Do you have any advice for young people studying towards a career
in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths?
How has your life changed since winning the beat-making challenge at the
‘Back to the City music festival’?
First let’s get rid of the stereotype that Mathematics and Physics are difficult,
they just require us to work hard and smart.
Besides the increase in the number
Know that you will not only benefit yourself
of followers on social networks and
and your family, but the country is depend-
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
23
There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.
REMOTE SEN SIN
Y ENGINEER C EN
SPACE WEA TH
RADIO FREQ U
NS TECH TIO NI A C ER
N IA
SATELLITE O P
However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!
G
CHER SEAR E R
ORECASTER F ER
WeWe useuse communication communication satellites satellites every every dayday when when we we watch watch Digital Digital Satellite Satellite television television (DStv), (DStv), access access thethe internet internet or use or use ourour cellcell phones. phones.
Navigation Navigation apps apps useuse GPSGPS satellites satellites to accurately to accurately steer steer youyou to your to your requested requested destination. destination.
Spacecraft Spacecraft areare launched launched intointo space space on rockets on rockets andand need need to be to be monitored monitored along along thethe way. way. SANSA SANSA provides provides launch launch support support andand recently recently assisted assisted twotwo Mars Mars launches launches – NASA’s – NASA’s Mars Mars Science Science Laboratory Laboratory andand India’s India’s Mars Mars Orbiter Orbiter Mission. Mission.
Weather Weather in space in space cancan damage damage satellites satellites andand interfere interfere with with ourour technology technology likelike GPS, GPS, cellcell phones phones andand internet. internet. SANSA SANSA keeps keeps a a close close eyeeye on space on space weather weather to protect to protect ourour technology technology in in space space andand on Earth. on Earth.
Images Images from from satellites satellites are are used used to develop to develop maps maps andand monitor monitor natural natural disasters disasters likelike floods floods andand droughts. droughts.
South South African African National National Space Space Agency Agency
Tel +27 Tel 12 +27 844 120398 844 0398 | Fax| +27 Fax 12 +27 844 120396 844 0396 EmailEmail information@sansa.org.za information@sansa.org.za | Website | Website www.sansa.org.za www.sansa.org.za
INFOGRAPHIC
TOTAL STUDENT SPENDING FOR 2015 INCREASE OF 7,95%
2015
2014
R2702 PM R32 424 PA
R2503 PM R30 036 PA
Where does the money come from? 86%
PARENTS/OTHER FAMILY MEMBER
30%
PART TIME/FULL TIME JOB
15%
BURSARY/SPONSOR
11%
OWN BUSINESS
Where does the money go? Electricity, rates, TAX
Take-aways, movies, club
12%
8%
10%
Technology
7%
45%
8%
10% Other 26
Toiletries
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Gifts
Jewellery & watches
MOTIVATION
MOTIVATION Hard work and dreaming big Here are her tips for success:
grades 11 and 12. This will help with
To achieve big in life, you need to firstly
acceptance at tertiary level and obtaining
and most importantly, have self-esteem
bursaries.
and believe you have what it takes to reach your goals. You need to remember
Lastly, life is about choices. It doesn’t mat-
that everything is possible through hard
ter what family you come from, whether
work, determination and consistent faith.
rich or poor. Your background does not limit
Without self-motivation, it is hard to start
you as a young woman or man in pursu-
a career in any field, as any career comes
ing your career dream – whether you wish
with its challenges.
to become a doctor, engineer, scientist or mathematician.
Hard work pays off
Secondly, when considering a career in
All you need to do is be focused, vigilant,
Science, Technology, Engineering and
willing to excel in all you do and use every
nce upon a time, there was a
Mathematics (STEM), the hard work starts
opportunity that comes your way to suc-
young girl in grade 10 who had a
in high school. You need to choose sub-
ceed. Always remember deep within you
big dream that everyone around
jects that are important for your tertiary
there is that powerful inner voice remind-
O
her could not contain. She saw herself as a education. Volunteering in Science and doctor, a qualified Medical Scientist, work- Technology clubs and societies will help
ing you that you can do it. You have got
ing towards building a healthy nation. She
you discover where your best qualities,
keep dreaming big.
had dreams of inspiring young women to
career goals and passions lie in STEM.
follow their dreams and never lose hope,
Thirdly, you need to work very hard and
By Caroline Pule
and to see people live their lives by being
consistently, be smart and run-the-extra
PhD Candidate/ Medical Scientist at
the change they want to see in the world.
mile to get good marks, especially in
Stellenbosch University
what it takes to succeed so take charge and
Along the way, her journey became tough. Even though her dream seemed unattainable because of her difficult study background, her need for funding and the gruelling 9 years required to study for the degree. Instead of giving up she worked hard, ran the extra mile and persevered. Despite these obstacles, she passed her matric year with flying colours majoring in Mathematics and Science, got accepted at a good university and pursued her dream. After 7 and a half years, she is now a second year PhD student in Medical Sciences, has won multiple awards and is seeing her dream becoming reality.
Caroline Pule as a Medical Scientist
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
27
CAREERS
So you want to… Written by : Shani Rhoda
C
reate the latest addiction?
Subjects that are crucial in the study
If you have a mobile phone, you
of the environment are Life Sciences,
have most likely downloaded or
Physical Science, Mathematics and
heard of an app before. Mobile apps
Geography.
provide instant information, education and entertainment to mobile phone and
Give a dog a bone?
tablet users. Because of the confusingly
Or the appropriate medication to treat any
great amount of handheld devices on the
injury or illness? Becoming a veterinar-
market, developing these apps takes time,
ian takes a great deal of hard work and
testing and re-testing.
an unconditional love for animals – the choice between wild love in the bush-veld
A career as a Mobile Application
or a more tame preference for domestic
Developer requires one to design and
animals is yours.
develop a way of solving public problems (such as the Eskom load shedding app)
A Veterinarian or a Veterinary Surgeon is
and providing users with hours of enter-
basically a Doctor for animals. These “ani-
tainment (this may include social media
mal doctors” need to have a wide knowl-
platforms like Instagram).
edge of the various animal species and diseases that affect them and the emo-
Prevent the world from ending?
tional strength to do what is best for the
Then you should be an Environmental
animal. Maths, life sciences and physical
Chemist. If you’re good enough, your name
sciences are essential subjects. Languages
might be recorded in history for coming
are important too (remember you need to
up with a way to stop or regulate the
be able to communicate with the owners
negative effects of pollution on the envi-
of these animals).
ronment. The field is broad so you need to do some digging to find your preference.
Enter the mind of a computer? Being a Software Developer requires
Being an Environmental Scientist includes
patience, hard work and the ability to
all things natural – from the depths of the
understand the language of cyberspace.
ocean to the soil that aids crop produc-
You need to be good at Science, Maths
tion to the wild animals that roam the
and any computer-related subjects that
open plains of the Kruger National Park.
are offered at your school. Due to the tran-
28
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
CAREERS FEATURE
structure.
as artificial limbs and organs
who are capable of installing cyber security
Save a life?
Be a millionaire?
and avoiding cybercrimes.
Doctors are typically seen as the life-sav-
You need to:
ers of society but we often forget to give
• Discover what you are passionate about
Design modern infrastructure?
credit to those who are working behind
during high school – research the various
Architects do not only sketch dream houses
the scenes. Life as a Biomedical Engineer
careers that exist, attend career expos to
for families, they create a vision that is
includes combining Engineering principles
see what is possible and choose your sub-
illustrated in the streets of major cities
and scientific techniques to come up with
jects accordingly.
where skyscrapers are the metaphorical
pressing Medical problems.
• Study hard every day to ensure that
ladders to success.
Biomedical Engineers need to research
exams are a breeze and you receive out-
Along with building a single structure
the best ways of addressing health prob-
standing results.
comes planning – urban, town, city and
lems and design devices and instruments
• Apply early for university and make sure
regional planning. Building a structure that
that can help health practitioners in the
you pass all your courses and ask for help
is envisioned as permanent will have to be
fields of Biology, Medicine, Dentistry and
as soon as you realise you need it.
thought of thoroughly and the impact of
Veterinary Science. Some examples of
• Find a job you love and keep working
this structure will have to be considered
work done by these unseen heroes include hard. Success should not be an end goal, it
with regards to the environment around the
heart-lung machines, pacemakers, as well
sition from print to digital platforms, many businesses are seeking teams of individuals
should be an ever-present way of life.
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
29
DST FEATURE
Technology for Rural Education Development (TECH4RED) Efforts by a partnership between Anglo Platinum, the Young Engineers and Scientists of Africa (YESA) group and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), have resulted in an educational programme. From this programme, a total of 3 500 primary and high school learners in Cofimvaba have been educated on the science of fuel cells.
Minister Pandor with some pupils
DST EMPOWERS THE EASTERN CAPE
Schools equipped with standby power
W
Success stories from other countries, like Japan, indicate that active public-private partnerships are critical in supporting the uptake of emerging technologies The TECH4RED project aims to install two solar systems and a biogas system. Additionally, the project will supply learners
ith power shortages becom-
initiative as essential to improving living
with portable rechargeable batteries. This
ing an everyday problem, the
conditions in society.
will allow those who do not have reliable
Department of Science and
access to electricity to continue with their
Technology (DST) noticed a need for
“The knowledge and experience gained
homework. Technology is becoming increas-
action in providing schools with alterna-
from the Cofimvaba pilot project and oth-
ingly important in education and efforts are
tive sources of energy. Teaming up with
ers taking place throughout the country
being made to ensure that those involved
private sector companies Anglo American
will not only promote awareness of the
in the TECH4RED project have access to
Platinum, Air Products and Clean Energy
technology, but will assist in creating a
tablets for their Science and Maths e-Learn-
Investments, the DST launched the pilot
market for technologies that are being
ing. In addition to information and com-
project in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape.
developed through the Hydrogen South
munication technology (ICT), other improve-
Africa (HySA) Programme,� said Minister
ments include nutrition and agri-teaching,
Pandor.
water and sanitation and health.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been implemented to support basic energy requirements, for example, charging stations for tablets, fax machines and computers. Schools that have benefitted from this project include Arthur Mfebe Senior Secondary School, St Marks Junior Secondary School and Mvuzo Junior Secondary School. The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, highlighted the importance
Minister Pandor cutting the ribbon
of private involvement in the Cofimvaba Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
31
UNIVERSITIES
THE CAMPUS CRAZE An unranked list of the best universities
S
tudents will admit it and high school pupils will hear
University of the Western Cape
about it – campus wars are real. However, they are not as
UWC is a place where a game of dominoes is the best therapy in
scary as they may sound. Campus wars are just a competi-
between a day of lectures. Known for its exciting social life, this
tive outcry of why certain universities are better than others
university plays hard but works even harder.
(according to students). Of course studying is the main reason why we attend varsity, but we might as well enjoy our free time
Home to South Africa’s best Law faculty, UWC boasts seven
as well. Here is an unranked list of the best places to study
faculties ranging from Dentistry to Arts to EMS. Full of life and
according to floating comments.
academic opportunity, this university offers a balanced life and a casual support structure to ensure that your student days are
University of Cape Town
enjoyed to the full.
Perched on a mountain, UCT is a vison that perfectly complements Cape Town’s natural splendour. From Lower Campus
Rhodes University
(where some of the residences are placed) to Upper Campus
Prospective students from the Eastern Cape and beyond flock to
(where most of the academic activity takes place), UCT is literally
Grahamstown, chasing a legacy that Rhodes University has cre-
the staircase to success for some. In line with its position near
ated. At Rhodes, students are not just a number as the university
the ocean, UCT allows its students to enjoy “Jammie surfing” on
boasts the highest staff to student ratio in comparison to the
the baby blue shuttles.
other universities in South Africa.
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Witwatersrand
Under the historic oak trees of beautiful town of Stellenbosch
One of the largest fossil collections in the southern hemisphere
lies a student culture like no other. Known for its tough rugby
and roughly 28, 000 students make up what is affectionately
squad and internationally-recognised qualifications, this univer-
known as Wits University. The research advancements made
sity is a good choice if you want to join a close-knit community
at Wits have received international accolades and is the ideal
where everything is basically in walking distance. Being a Matie
campus for those who are eager to explore and grow – both as
turns you into a smartie.
individuals and as academics.
QUIZ
QUIZ How clued up are you on social media?
1
5 6
How old is Facebook this year? A. 10 years old B. 12 years old C. 11 years old D. 9 years old
2
Instagram has over 300 million users nationwide. True False The______________ serves as a short piece of metadata to describe what your Tweet is about.
What are the top 5 most popular social media platforms in
A. YOLO
South Africa?
B. ROFL
A. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WeChat, Google+
C. Hashtag
B. Facebook, Mxit, Twitter, WeChat, WhatsApp
D. BFF
C. WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook messenger, Google+, Twitter D. WhatsApp, Facebook, Mxit, Instagram, Twitter
3
7
Which of the following social media platforms is mainly focused on images? A. LinkedIn
Which of the following is not a social media platform?
B. YouTube
A. Pinterest
C. Instagram
B. Snapchat
D. Facebook
C. QQ D. Vibe
4
Which social media platform is represented by the following logo? A. WhatsApp B. Snapchat C. Pinterest D. WeChat
Lost in Translation
UNIFORMS
Stand in a uniform line!
Lost in Translation is produced by Roswika Media Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
33
PUZZLE Â
SUDOKU
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.
2 3
6
6
3
1 7 6
3 3
9 3
4
8 7
2
7
6
4
3 1
6
8
8 6
4 8
4
7
1
5
CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1
DOWN 1. The biggest part of the brain is? 2. Which animal is referred to as the ship of the desert? 3. Which African country has Cairo as its
2
capital city?
1 4
3 2
3
4. Which country has a flag that is not rectangular? 5. Which company is owned by Bill Gates? 6. Entomology is the study of?
ACROSS
5
1. Which desert covers much of
4
Botswana and parts of Namibia? 2. What colour would Coca-Cola be if you were to remove the artificial colour6
5
ing? 3. How many claw/toes does a dog have?
6 7
4. Filaria is caused by? 5. Which chemical element has the symbol K? 6. Which car company produces the Accord and the Civic? 7. What is the instrument that enables a submarine to see underwater?
34
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
ANSWERS
ANSWERS Scifest magazine
WORD SEARCH
WORD SEARCH
SCIENCESTARS
E
Special Edition | May 2015
AS FAST AS LIGHT
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
QUIZ 1. A form of energy that travels in 3
waves
T
2. Prism
H 2 1
S
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5. Refracts light
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Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
35
Stellenbosch University. What sets us apart?
YOU UNLIMITED www.maties.com
Branding | www.gstudio.co.za
Are you creative and eager to explore? So is Stellenbosch University. Do you see the world as your classroom and your future as yours to shape? Stellenbosch University does. Are you driven to make a difference? Then Stellenbosch is the place for you.
GAMING
GAMING IS NOT CHILD’S PLAY The future of the grown-up kid
E
ver dreamt of being a world-famous
Gaming is a recreational activity that
soccer player, a porcupine running
many choose as a way to relax after a
around in a costume or a guitarist
Fun facts:
hectic day at school or varsity. Sure, some
• In 2011, consumers in South Africa
performing live on stage in front of a roar-
people occasionally decide to bunk that 8
spent a whopping R1.3 billion on gaming;
ing crowd of fans?
o’clock lecture because of a late night in
Game consoles to the likes of PlayStation
front of the PC, but if you have ever played
female gaming presenter;
and Xbox make these unusual yet com-
Pacman, you would understand the addic-
• League of Legends was recorded as the
pletely normal dreams an electronic real-
tion.
most played online game in April 2015.
• Pippa Tshabalala is South Africa’s first
ity. Gaming expos and events allow gamers to The Electronics and Gaming Expo (EGE)
unite in their common interest – whether
held in Cape Town in May 2015, was home
it be dressing up as a famous cartoon or
to excited gamers - some even dressed up
gaming character or competing with the
for the Cosplay competition. An advanced
best players in a regulated LAN (Local
display of the latest electronics and
Area Network) gaming competition.
games, EGE is the leading event in South Africa’s growing gaming industry.
Some upcoming gaming events to look out for: rAge Expo UCON Anime and Gaming Expo Organised Chaos
Whether you enjoy playing the latest
DAZLAN
mobile and computer games, or you have
FRAG LAN
What’s the big deal anyway?
fond memories of playing Snake on your
Ground Zero
Moving away from the nerdy stereotype
dad’s Nokia 3310 or Mario Brothers on
attached to gamers, the gaming industry
your TV-game console, games are a part
transforms all sorts of people into wide-
of growing up (and allowing you to revisit
eyed, couch potatoes.
your childhood every now and again).
Mayhem
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
37
UWC
STEPPING INTO THE DEEP END Students teach children to swim drownings are constantly highlighted. These drownings can be prevented if all individuals are taught the basics of swimming – how to stay afloat, how to control your breathing and how to move towards safety.
I
n a world full of obstacles, we get so
Africans do not know how to swim. Many meetings and hours spent strategis-
caught up in our own problems that Students enrolled in the Faculty of
ing were rewarded when a group of 12
much greater ones. Students at the
Economic and Management Sciences at
orphans from the Rainbow of Hope house
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
UWC were presented with a task. Their
in Goodwood attended their first swim-
recently took a minute (or a couple of
aim was to develop a cost-effective com-
ming lesson at the university. The children,
months, rather) to step back and have a
munity-based project within a given time
between the ages of four and thirteen, were
look at the world around them.
frame. Each student had to pitch an idea
introduced to the swimming pool by the
and the best one was chosen for the team
university’s swimming coach, Keith Dankers
to execute.
and student coach Khanyiso Zase.
we often forget about those who have
The Western Cape is known for its beautiful scenery and tourists from all over the
Bonginkosi Jack realised that a large
“These lessons have opened opportunities
During the summer months, the beaches
amount of people in the Western Cape,
for these children. We were able to show
that outline the edge of Africa are occu-
and in the country as a whole, are unable
them around the university and show them
pied by masses of holiday-goers, but the
to swim. Although some may think swim-
that tertiary education is possible for them,”
sad reality is striking – too many South
ming is a recreational activity, reports of
said Jack.
world visit the province all year round.
38
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
BOOK REVIEW
WHEN I WAS A FISH Tales of an Ichthyologist
I
Written by : Oswald Kucherera
took the challenge of reviewing
From Rhodes he went to Lake Sibaya,
Professor Mike Bruton’s book titled
nestled in KwaZulu-Natal where he estab- when he came face to face with a giant
‘When I was a fish’ because I realised
lished a research centre. He made some
kingfish.
that I know very little about fish apart
fascinating discoveries and this research
I highly recommend this important volume
from relishing delicious meals at home.
centre become a hub of information. It
rich in scientific knowledge written in
I was captivated by Bruton’s catchy and
was to be frequented by people from
accessible language by this amazing fish
thought-provoking title. In this volume,
across the country including Professor
biologist whom James Clarke, author and
Bruton, a field fish biologist provides
John Skinner, Director of the Mammal
columnist said of ‘To study fish Prof. Bruton
us with a detailed and well-researched
Institute at the University of Pretoria,
became a fish’.
account which expounds some profound
accompanied by groups of young mam-
research on fish with the special interest
mologists.
in the coelacanth (a large four-legged fish
Sibaya. And the bravery of Bruton himself
When I was a fish is published by Jacana Media and can be purchased for roughly
with a tail like a puppy). Bruton, a firm
Bruton also shares humorous anecdotes
R240. The book can be found in print at
believer in the cross-pollination of ideas,
such as the situation experienced by the
nationwide bookstores such as Exclusive
traversed the world sharing knowledge
researcher Pete Ashton when he was
Books and Bargain Books, as well as online
and advocating the conservation of the
chased by a hippo along the shore of Lake at www.loot.co.za for R180.
coelacanth. After finishing his postdoctoral research in London, he was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Ichthyology at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. It is while he was here that he helped launch the ICHTHOS newsletter which he edited thereby creating the opportunity for people from various fields and walks of life to contribute articles with the aim of promoting fish and fisheries.
TOP 10
Top 10: South African firsts
T
he below-mentioned inventions and developments have put South Africa on the worldwide map of innovation. Solving the everyday problems faced by individuals as well
as life-threatening health problems, South Africans have put their
novations
g in World changin
1
CAT scan - South African physicist, Allan Cormack and English, Godfrey Hounsfield were awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize in Physiology or Medicine for inventing the
CAT scan. The Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan enables
thinking-caps on and impressed the world. Here they are, in no
doctors to look beyond the outline of bones and organs (as dis-
particular order of impact:
played by conventional x-rays) through to the soft tissues.
2
Heart transplant - South African cardiac surgeon, Chris Barnard, made international headlines when
he performed the world’s first successful
3
Speed gun - “I don’t like cricket. Oh no, I love it!” Some sport lovers will remember this popular
anthem that was chanted on the side of
4
Kreepy Krauly - The Kreepy Krauly is the reason why some swimming pools remain clean and clear. It is
also the reason that small children fear
heart transplant in 1967 at the Groote
cricket fields by eager supporters. Henri
getting into the water – with its fast-
Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Despite the
Johnson invented the Speedball, a device
moving, slurping tentacles that stick to the
successful operation, the patient passed
that accurately measures the speed and
floor and glide over your feet. A hydraulic
away 18 days later due to pneumonia.
angle of an approaching cricket or tennis
engineer who immigrated to Springs in
ball. Invented in 1992, the device is still
Gauteng, sold the first commercially suc-
used by teams and individuals for training
cessful automatic pool cleaning unit in
today.
1974.
5
Pratley Putty - A part of South Africa was taken along on the world’s first visit to the moon in 1969. Pratley
Putty, developed by an Engineer from Krugersdorp, is a glue-like substance that was used to hold parts of the Apollo XI mission’s Eagle landing craft together. The adhesive was also used in maintaining the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in the USA.
7
8
6
Dolosse - The majesty of the ocean is spilt onto the shoreline by waves that eventually cause erosion along
harbour walls. Eric Merriefield, a Harbour Engineer in East London, came up with a way of breaking up wave action using dolosse which are huge concrete block that protect the shoreline. Each dolos can weigh up to 20 tons.
to have affordable treatment. Using the
9
plant at the Tygerberg Hospital in Cape
patient’s own skin, doctors perform a skin
device, used for eye surgery has a frozen
Town in 2014. During traditional initiation
biopsy by cultivating the skin externally in
tip which is inserted into a cut in the eye.
ceremonies, young men are required to
a laboratory. The Tygerberg Burns Unit has
The pencil-shaped device releases a freez-
endure a circumcision which sometimes
already successfully treated two patients
ing gas that assists in removing cataracts
leads to health problems.
using this technique.
from the eye.
Penile transplant - Addressing a problem that affects many South Africans, doctors performed the
world’s first ever successful penis trans-
Skin grafting - Doctors at Tygerberg Hospital developed a new technique that would enable burn victims
Retinal Cyroprobe - Percy Amoils, a South African Ophthalmologist and Biomedical Engineering Inventor,
invented the Retinal Cyroprobe. This
10
Lodox x-ray scanner - Developed by mining giant, De Beers, to prevent diamond theft, this x-ray machine was featured in an episode of the popular American TV-series Grey’s Anatomy. Since its initial use, the x-ray machine has developed into a medical device that deals with traumatic
injury. The machine can perform full-body digital x-ray scans in less time and emitting less radiation than conventional machines.x-ray scans in less time and emitting less radiation than conventional machines.
ZULFEST
O
nce upon a time, the people of Zululand gathered in a celebration of Science. Sharing in the excite-
ment of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s only Science festival, presenters from the United States of America, Japan and Australia joined over 3000 South Africans at the Zululand Science Festival (ZulFest). Activities and workshops were arranged by the University of Zululand (Unizulu) Science Centre for all to attend. Local schools were surprised as the ZulFest lit up an average day in the classroom with interesting activities. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending… because ZulFest will be back again in 2016 boasting the theme ‘Science in the Making’.
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
41
PROFILE
THE CODING GENIUS Geniuses come in all forms and sizes Written by : Evans Manyonga
A
t just thirteen years of age Sam
puter coding one on one in his office. And
guarantee by using QR codes. The app is
Berger has achieved more than
Sam’s interest in coding grew from there.
said to save insurers up to R300 million a year. It also lessened the turnaround time
many individuals thrice his age.
of repairs and maintenance. He is develop-
Widely known as the computer “whizz kid,” Berger has been coding programmes since the age of seven.
I think I played around with my first computer when I was six or seven
ing other apps as well. The main focus for now is for Sam to perfect his applications. However one thing
“I think I played around with my first com-
is certain. Sam Berger will be coding for a
puter when I was six or seven and every
He has since created his own patented
second Saturday, we would go out and
geyser app designed for home insurance
very long time and the world will undoubt-
programme robots to make them do little
companies in South Africa. This application
edly greatly benefit from his endeavours
tasks at the science centre and I really
calculates whether geysers are in or out of
and expertise.
enjoyed that. Just seeing how we could make the robots do small tasks made me realise we could do a whole lot more,” he says. “From the age of two or three his mother and I noticed that he liked electronics. And at about five he would ask me a lot of questions about electronics and science. I eventually decided to take him for classes at our local science centre. He got in a class of about 30 other kids and he was the youngest there,” Larry Berger, Sam’s father reflects. After some time the Program Director decided to stop the classes. However he
Sam Berger and his father Larry Berger
specifically requested to teach Sam com-
42
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
3527
“
At my math and science. And it paid off. SANRAL’s scholarship programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to pave the way for my success.
”
Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams of doing well and going on to study at university. It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better nation for us all.
www.sanral.co.za | 0800 SANRAL (726 725)
SS NEWS
SCIENCE STARS NEWS Out and about
Selfie Competition Winner A big congratulations to Ziyanda Tukwayo who won our Selfie Competition with 249 likes. With such an impressive following, our winner was confident that she would win the Huawei tablet. She says she will use the tablet not only for her academic life, but to also download fun apps to enjoy in her spare time. Carl Wastie at CPUT
C
PUT Open Day
Social Media
Since the last published issue of
We have all become so used to our cell
Science Stars magazine, the team
phones that it is difficult to imagine a
has been busy with various outreach proj-
day without our earphones on the bus, or
ects to engage with the readers.
without hearing the famous (and some-
We attended the annual Open Day held
times annoying), Samsung whistle tone.
at the Bellville campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Science Stars has become so used to University open days are a great way to
engaging with our audience that we have
visit the campus and for students to judge
decided to add another social media plat-
if they see themselves being able to spend form to our list. the next couple of years there. Follow us on Instagram (sciencestarsmag), CPUT, among other universities, invites
to see pictures of what we are up to when
prospective students, their parents and
we are not publishing the magazine.
other interested parties to a display of the
Also, keep liking our Facebook page
courses offered through the institution.
(Science Stars Magazine), follow us on
The Science Stars team handed out maga-
Twitter (@ScienceStars2) and visit our
zines and spoke to eager pupils about
website (www.sciencestars.co.za) for the
their future plans.
latest news.
44
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
KIDS’ COMMENTS
S T N E M M O C ' S ID K The grey weather is perfect for this time of year when exam preparations and application stress are getting pupils down. Science Stars took to the streets to find out how high school students from grade 9 – 11 are coping and what they plan on doing after completing matric. We asked: 1. After high school, what do you want to study? 2. Which university or college do you plan on attending?
Kgomoco Mandy Porogo “I want to study Engineering or Marine Science at either Wits University (WU) or at the University of Stellenbosch (US). I have not applied yet but I’m planning on applying soon.”
Neresa Wotsetsa “I am planning on applying at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I want to be a lawyer.”
Shameez Pasqualli “I want to study Graphic Design at the College of Cape Town (CCT).”
Sphokazi Ngidi “My plan is to become a Marine Biologist after studying at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).”
Emily Hakizimana “I plan on studying to become a Medical Doctor through the University of Cape Town (UCT). I dream of joining the World Health Organisation and helping people from all over the world.”
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
45
ACTIVITY
REMOVING SALT FROM SALTWATER
What you need:
1. Mix some boiling water with salt –
3. Place the baking sheet on the tray;
• Baking sheet
• Black paper
you can use a jug or bowl to mix the
4. Place the black paper on top of the
• Salt
• Water
two together;
baking sheet;
• A tablespoon
• A medium-sized tray
2. Keep adding salt and stirring until
5. Pour some salt water onto the black
the salt no longer dissolves;
paper using the tablespoon;
• Boiling water from a kettle or a pot • A jug/bowl to mix the water and salt in
6. Place the tray somewhere warm (in summer, you can leave it outside in the sun and in winter, you can leave it inside by a window); 7. Watch what happens over the next couple of days and record your observations once all the water is gone.
What will happen? Once all the water has evaporated, salt crystals will be left behind on the black paper.
46
Why does this happen?
paper. The concentration of salt left
Water molecules evaporate when they
behind on the black paper increases, caus-
are exposed to heat and the colour black
ing the salt to recrystallize into a solid
absorbs all frequencies of visible light
once again.
(which causes black objects to heat up quickly in the sun, for example). As the
This method of separating salt from water
water evaporates from the black paper,
is used internationally to collect large
salt particles will be left behind on the
amounts of salt from seawater.
Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference
DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E
PLEASE JOIN ADOPT-A-SCHOOL FOUNDATION AS WE CELEBRATE MADIBA’S LIFE AND HIS PASSION FOR EDUCATION BY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL FOR A DAY.
ANYBODY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH DONATING THEIR TIME, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESOURCES.
Join Adopt-a-School Foundation to celebrate Mandela Day by going back to a school in need of a makeover! Save the Date and start planning your Back to School for a Day on Mandela Day.
gardening / landscaping
sports / recreation
minor renovations
educational resources
feeding schemes
educator admin
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION! Visit www.adoptaschool.org.za/get-involve/backtoschoolfortheday/ for help in identifying a school to support and for more information on how to plan a successful corporate volunteering event for Mandela Day.